Q&A with Ralph Gilles

Abstract/Summary

Chrysler’s Ralph Gilles talks about design and cultural influence.

Modern car design is a difficult balancing act that weighs style against substance; price versus performance; safety, fuel efficiency and other government regulations, in vehicles that too often fail to inspire.

But Ralph Gilles has tasked himself with bringing the sexy back to Chrysler. Responsible for two of the company’s most eye-catching modern vehicles — the brutishly elegant 300 sedan and slinky Viper super car — the 44-year-old senior vice president of design for the Detroit automaker is turning his eye to more organic, alluring shapes.

The Orange County Register caught up with Gilles while he was in Irvine, Calif., last month to chat about the future of Chrysler design.